Hurricane Ian made landfall in SW Florida on Sep. 28, 2022. A look at recovery one year later

Kim Luciani, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida
Updated ·9 min read

On Sept. 28, 2022, Category 4 Hurricane Ian made landfall near Cayo Costa in Lee County, Florida as one of the most powerful storms in U.S. history.

Ian brought death and destruction to Fort Myers Beach and Lee County's other barrier islands as deadly storm surge as high as 15 feet was pushed onto land.

As the storm moved inland, the storm surge caused severe flooding across Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Naples.

Dozens of SWFL residents perished and nearly 150 deaths in total are attributed to Ian. The storm caused an estimated $112.9 billion worth of damage in the U.S., making it the third-costliest hurricane on record, according to NOAA.

Now, one year later, Southwest Florida continues to recover and rebuild.

One year down. A decade to go? Hurricane Ian recovery is a marathon

Scenes from Times Square on Fort Myers Beach on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023. The square along with the beach is slowly recovering after getting slammed by Hurricane Ian last year.
Scenes from Times Square on Fort Myers Beach on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023. The square along with the beach is slowly recovering after getting slammed by Hurricane Ian last year.

One year down, how many more to go?

Estimates on when hard-hit places in Southwest Florida will fully recover from Hurricane Ian run the gamut.

Since Ian, there have been flashes of normalcy but the places pummeled by Ian and the people in those places still have years of recovery work ahead.

Could it take a decade to recover from Ian? SWFL finds hurricane recovery is a marathon

− Janine Zeitlin

How long will it take for Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, Pine Island to recover from Ian?

Members of the Jackson and Cledanor family take in the remnants of Hurricane Idalia as it churns north at Fort Myers Beach on Wednesday, Aug. 30 2023. Hurricane Idalia passed by the area last night.
Members of the Jackson and Cledanor family take in the remnants of Hurricane Idalia as it churns north at Fort Myers Beach on Wednesday, Aug. 30 2023. Hurricane Idalia passed by the area last night.

In September 2022, Hurricane Ian's historic surge and winds decimated swaths of Southwest Florida, especially coastal Lee County communities of Pine Island, Matlacha, St. James City, Sanibel Island and Captiva.  The epicenter of the destruction was Fort Myers Beach.

The News-Press/Naples Daily News asked leaders from several hard-hit places when they think their communities will fully recover from the storm. Answers ranged from months to years to a decade.

Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, Pine Island years from a full Ian recovery

− Janine Zeitlin

Hurricane Ian changed Southwest Florida forever one year ago

Stan Pentz walks out of a Iona neighborhood on Thursday Sept 29, 2022, A day after Hurricane Ian made landfall on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2022. He survived by swimming in an holding onto items around his home.
Stan Pentz walks out of a Iona neighborhood on Thursday Sept 29, 2022, A day after Hurricane Ian made landfall on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2022. He survived by swimming in an holding onto items around his home.

The truth is that our lives were changed forever and continue to be changed. Here's what we know about the historic storm a year later and how it's impacted Southwest Florida.

10 'truths' about historic storm's impact on Southwest Florida

− Samantha Neely

One year later: Bonita condo owners face steep bills, no access

Ron George, President of the Seascape board, looks at the damage that still remains almost a year after Hurricane Ian..
Ron George, President of the Seascape board, looks at the damage that still remains almost a year after Hurricane Ian..

Ann Bonilla is frustrated. It’s been almost a year since Hurricane Ian and she still can’t use her condo at Dolphin Way on Bonita Beach.

One year after Ian, Bonita condo owners face steep bills, no access to units

− Andrea Stetson

Fort Myers Beach shrimping fleet shrinks after Ian, hopes for rebirth

Marcos Galindo builds a dock at Erickson & Jensen Seafood Packers on San Carlos Island on Fort Myers Beach on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023. Nearly a year after Hurricane Ian tossed most of the shrimp boats ashore, Erickson & Jensen Seafood Packer is surviving but struggling. High fuel prices and low shrimp prices are not helping as they rebuild docks and buildings. The hope for the future includes building a working waterfront that would be called “Shrimp Town.” This would include a restaurant and market. The other company, Trico Shrimp Company has been dormant since Hurricane Ian and plans for the future are unknown.

Several boats have been repaired and are back out on the water. And Erickson & Jensen Shrimp has big dreams for what the working waterfront could be.

After Hurricane Ian, Fort Myers Beach shrimping industry shrinks but hopes for rebirth

− Janine Zeitlin, Andrew West

Then-Now: Ian trashed our mangroves. 2 photos show how far we've come

Nearly two months after Hurricane Ian jet skiers move through Big Hickory Pass in Bonita Springs on Nov. 23, 2022. Recovery and clean-up efforts can be seen all over the island while some area remain untouched since Sept. 28.
Nearly two months after Hurricane Ian jet skiers move through Big Hickory Pass in Bonita Springs on Nov. 23, 2022. Recovery and clean-up efforts can be seen all over the island while some area remain untouched since Sept. 28.

During Ian, the mangroves turned into catcher's mitts, catching an alarming amount of debris as it was flying in the air caused by 150-mile-an-hour Category 4 winds.

Hurricane Ian mangled the mangroves in SWFL. What do they look like now compared to then?

− Mark H. Bickel, Andrew West

How they did it: Golisano's NICU team rose to the occasion during Ian

On Sept. 29-30, 2022, all in-patient units of Golisano Children’s Hospital - 80 patients were evacuated.

29 Hours: How the Golisano Children's Hospital NICU team met the challenge of Hurricane Ian

− Dr. William Liu

Drone video captures progress on Pine Island, Matlacha

Aerial photograph of Pine Island Road taken September 13, 2023.
Aerial photograph of Pine Island Road taken September 13, 2023.

They say time heals all wounds and it will take more time before Matlacha and Pine Island look like they did before Hurricane Ian struck.

Visual journalist Ricardo Rolon took this video footage from high above, showing what the view looks like one year later.

Aerial views of Matlacha and Pine Island one year after Ian

− Mark H. Bickel, Ricardo Rolón

Drone video shows Fort Myers Beach one year after Hurricane Ian

Almost a year after the impact of Hurricane Ian changed the lives of Fort Myers Beach residents, the town continues to work on its recovery. This aerial image of Fort Myers Beach was taken September 14, 2023. Ricardo Rolon/USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA
Almost a year after the impact of Hurricane Ian changed the lives of Fort Myers Beach residents, the town continues to work on its recovery. This aerial image of Fort Myers Beach was taken September 14, 2023. Ricardo Rolon/USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA

Hurricane Ian's ferocious storm surge didn't just damage Fort Myers Beach, it destroyed the popular tourist destination.

One year later, deep scars remain. They are visible in dramatic drone video produced and edited by the News-Press and Naples Daily News visual journalist and certified drone pilot Ricardo Rolón.

Flying over Fort Myers Beach one year after Hurricane Ian provides dramatic views

− Mark H. Bickel, Ricardo Rolón

What does Sanibel Island look like one year after Hurricane Ian?

Aerial view of Sanibel Lighthouse photographed on September18, 2023.
Aerial view of Sanibel Lighthouse photographed on September18, 2023.

Our visual journalist and certified drone pilot, Ricardo Rolon, recently took video high above Sanibel Island. It shows progress on the island and the damaged Sanibel Causeway.

Sanibel Island drone video, one year after Hurricane Ian

− Mark H. Bickel, Ricardo Rolón

Naples woman made a difference in Hurricane Ian recovery

Alethea Shapiro, a 44-year-old mom of four, stepped up to lead local relief efforts after Hurricane Ian.

When it came to helping others in need after Hurricane Ian, Naples activist was relentless

− Kendall Little

Fort Myers Beach man got concerts going again after Ian

After Ian, Stephen Clark raised money and organized concerts to put Fort Myers Musicians back to work. He also spread hurricane news on Facebook Live.

After Ian, he put musicians back to work on Fort Myers Beach, became a Facebook Live star

− Charles Runnells

Beach Talk Radio helps Fort Myers Beach recover post-Hurricane Ian

Beach Talk Radio creator Ed Ryan takes a group selfies during a charity event to helps those on Fort Myers Beach impacted by Hurricane Ian.
Beach Talk Radio creator Ed Ryan takes a group selfies during a charity event to helps those on Fort Myers Beach impacted by Hurricane Ian.

Without Beach Talk Radio's updates, most wouldn’t have known what was going on after Hurricane Ian. Ed Ryan continues to shine a light on Fort Myers Beach.

Beach Talk Radio helps Fort Myers Beach recover post-Hurricane Ian

− Samantha Neely

Humane Society of Naples saved animals, remembers Ian's impact

Miley receives a treat from Sue Stefanelli at the Humane Society Naples on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023.
Miley receives a treat from Sue Stefanelli at the Humane Society Naples on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023.

"Animals are often overlooked in times of crisis because they can’t speak up for themselves," Humane Society Naples CEO Sarah Baeckler said. "We feel like it was our duty to ensure shelter animals are cared for just like animals who have already found their forever homes."

Humane Society Naples saved hundreds of animals

− Emma Behrmann

Toney Wade made a difference in Hurricane Ian

A grateful Karen Plak gets a hug from Toney Wade of the United Cajun Navy in the Island Park neighborhood on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022. The United Cajun Navy was handing out food, water and supplies to those that have been affected by Hurricane Ian. Plak was living on the bare necessities before the United Cajun Navy arrived.
A grateful Karen Plak gets a hug from Toney Wade of the United Cajun Navy in the Island Park neighborhood on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022. The United Cajun Navy was handing out food, water and supplies to those that have been affected by Hurricane Ian. Plak was living on the bare necessities before the United Cajun Navy arrived.

Toney Wade and others built an encampment in the Island Park High School parking lot within hours of the storm making landfall. He and his family spent several days here, taking food and water to people who were stuck in their homes in the south Fort Myers community.

He saved lives in Fort Myers after Hurricane Ian, credits storm with saving his own

− Chad Gillis

Hurricane Ian in Fort Myers led to heroic efforts in the community

After turning his Fort Myers Brewing food truck into a mobile laundry unit, Rob Whyte went out into the community daily for months to help those in need.
After turning his Fort Myers Brewing food truck into a mobile laundry unit, Rob Whyte went out into the community daily for months to help those in need.

Quick and innovative thinking by Rob Whyte, who co-owns Fort Myers Brewing Company, made one hardship after Ian a whole lot easier for many

Fort Myers man reflects on his game-changing efforts during Hurricane Ian

− Robyn George

Hurricane Ian led to heroic effort from Laces of Love

Laces of Love organized and distributed just under 13,000 pairs of shoes following Hurricane Ian's destruction across Southwest Florida.
Laces of Love organized and distributed just under 13,000 pairs of shoes following Hurricane Ian's destruction across Southwest Florida.

Jeanne Nealon, who is a co-founder of Laces of Love, saw her organization mobilize and distribute 12,710 pairs of shoes after Ian, the most ever.

Woman and her Naples organization rose up in a time of need for thousands

− Alex Martin

Climate-fueled storms intensify insurance risk in Florida, drop home values

Nearly six months after Hurricane Ian devastated Southwest Florida, parts of Matlacha remain damaged. Photographed Monday, March 20, 2023.
Nearly six months after Hurricane Ian devastated Southwest Florida, parts of Matlacha remain damaged. Photographed Monday, March 20, 2023.

Some coastal Florida homes have already lost up to 19% of their value after wet, heavy storms like Ian have increased insurance risk, nonprofit data shows.

Florida's coastal homes may lose value as climate-fueled storms intensify insurance risk

− Kate Cimini

What the Fort Myers Beach pier looked like hours before Ian arrived

Surfers try to ride waves associated with Hurricane Ian on Sept. 28, 2022. The pier would be destroyed hours after this photo was taken.
Surfers try to ride waves associated with Hurricane Ian on Sept. 28, 2022. The pier would be destroyed hours after this photo was taken.

On the morning of Sep. 28, 2022, The News-Press and Naples Daily News photographer Andrew West did what he could, taking a series of photos to document the conditions before Hurricane Ian unleashed its assault on the region.

Haunting 'Day of' Hurricane Ian photos include Fort Myers Beach pier still standing

− Mark H. Bickel, Andrew West

Times Square on Fort Myers Beach making strides

Scenes from Times Square on Fort Myers Beach on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023. The square along with the beach is slowly recovering after getting slammed by Hurricane Ian last year.
Scenes from Times Square on Fort Myers Beach on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023. The square along with the beach is slowly recovering after getting slammed by Hurricane Ian last year.

A visual look at Times Square on Fort Myers Beach almost a year after Hurricane Ian. The island is slowly recovering from Hurricane Ian.

Hurricane Ian comeback: Times Square on Fort Myers Beach

− Andrew West

Matlacha showing signs of comeback after Ian

Monique Lee, store manager at Matlacha Menagerie, prepares some merchandise for sale Monday, September 25, 2023. The store is currently fully operational and available to customers. Almost a year after Hurricane Ian impacted the area, some businesses are still in the process of recovery.
Monique Lee, store manager at Matlacha Menagerie, prepares some merchandise for sale Monday, September 25, 2023. The store is currently fully operational and available to customers. Almost a year after Hurricane Ian impacted the area, some businesses are still in the process of recovery.

A tiny, quaint fishing village is no match for a monster, Category 4 hurricane.

A year after the historic storm, there are signs of coming back but there's still a long way to go before Matlacha resembles what it was before Ian. The News-Press photographer Ric Rolon spent time in the village recently to see how things are going.

− Mark H. Bickel, Ricardo Rolón

Fort Myers Beach: Lessons learned after Hurricane Ian

Fort Myers Beach damage after Hurricane Ian's devastation. Times Square was in the center. Holiday Court villas had been at the top left of the image, north of the two yellow and green buildings. Clipped and edited from USA TODAY Network video footage.
Fort Myers Beach damage after Hurricane Ian's devastation. Times Square was in the center. Holiday Court villas had been at the top left of the image, north of the two yellow and green buildings. Clipped and edited from USA TODAY Network video footage.

Bill Veach, who has lived on Fort Myers Beach the longest among the Town Council shares lessons learned from Ian and what's next for the community.

9 lessons learned: Fort Myers Beach dealing with present, future one year after Ian

− Phil Fernandez

As Sanibel recovers from Hurricane Ian, official talks lessons learned

Sanibel Islander and hotelier Holly Smith, who was the city’s mayor during and after the storm and continues to serve on the city council, as she has since 2017, shares lessons learned from Hurricane Ian.

Holly Smith on Sanibel a year after Ian: 'These are the lessons people need to look at'

− Amy Bennett Williams

Lee County commissioner talks lessons learned from Ian

Lee County Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass shares his thoughts about how officials handled what ended up being our worst storm in history.

Lee County leader looks back, talks about lessons learned from Hurricane Ian

− Bill Smith

Naples, Collier County discuss lessons from Hurricane Ian

The Naples pier was devastated by Ian, particularly the seaward portion. Area waterways are still feeling the effects of Hurricane Ian, with missing navigational markers and hidden underwater hazards.
The Naples pier was devastated by Ian, particularly the seaward portion. Area waterways are still feeling the effects of Hurricane Ian, with missing navigational markers and hidden underwater hazards.

Naples Daily News spoke with Naples City Manager Jay Boodheshwar and Collier County Emergency Services Director Dan Summers about what the city and county learned from Ian.

Naples, Collier County leaders reflect on Hurricane Ian one year later

− Kendall Little

Cape Coral Fire Chief Ryan Lamb addresses Hurricane Ian recovery

A group of randomly picked Cape Coral residents get a tour of the ballroom area of the Cape Coral Yacht Club on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. They met with Cape Coral officials and planners to come to a consensus on what should be done with some of the features of the historic building. It is being demolished to make room for a new building. The area and building around the Yacht club was closed after Hurricane Ian roared through the area.

Cape Coral was one of the hard hit areas during Hurricane Ian. The city's fire chief talks about the recovery, lessons learned, what's next.

Cape Coral fire chief addresses lessons learned from Hurricane Ian

− Luis Zambrano

Sanibel Island Causeway repairs continue

As the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian approaches this week, where does the Sanibel Island Causeway repair project stand as far as completion?

Sanibel Island Causeway showing signs of coming back one year after Hurricane Ian

− Mark H. Bickel, Amanda Inscore

Naples' 5th Ave S. recovers from Hurricane Ian damage

One year after the strong Category 4 storm walloped Southwest Florida, it's difficult to see that anything ever happened on Fifth Ave. South. The Naples Daily News visual journalist, Jonah Hinebaugh, visited the avenue recently to document the comeback.

Naples' famous Fifth Ave. South makes quick rebound to normalcy

− Mark H. Bickel, Jonah Hinebaugh

Fort Myers coastal wildlife show signs of comeback after Hurricane Ian

An osprey takes a meal to a feeding spot at Bunche Beach in Fort Myers on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023.
An osprey takes a meal to a feeding spot at Bunche Beach in Fort Myers on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023.

The News-Press recently spent most of day roaming coastal areas in search of wildlife, and we found plenty of birds, crippled mangroves and a spattering of small mammals.

Some SWFL wildlife starting to rebound in one year after Hurricane Ian

− Chad Gillis, Andrew West

Entertainment in Fort Myers, Naples after Ian

Hurricane Ian dumped floodwater and mud inside Florida Rep's historic Arcade Theatre. Now the theater company is cleaning up the mess.
Hurricane Ian dumped floodwater and mud inside Florida Rep's historic Arcade Theatre. Now the theater company is cleaning up the mess.

Southwest Florida’s entertainment industry took a hit last season, thanks to Hurricane Ian.

But there’s good news: After many tourists stayed away last season, they’re expected to return in bigger numbers for 2023-24. And all those people will be looking for entertainment.

What to expect this season from Fort Myers, Naples arts venues

− Charles Runnells

Naples restaurant owners resilient one year after Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian: Osteria Capri's picture window blew in from storm surge causing water damage to the restaurant.
Hurricane Ian: Osteria Capri's picture window blew in from storm surge causing water damage to the restaurant.

Four Naples restaurant owners talk about the challenges of rebuilding after Hurricane Ian's brutal decimation.

4 Naples restaurant owners on rebuilding after Ian

− Diana Biederman

Ian's impact on Naples, Fort Myers tourism

Construction continues during the “Topping Out” ceremony at the Great Wolf Lodge South Florida in Naples on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023.
Construction continues during the “Topping Out” ceremony at the Great Wolf Lodge South Florida in Naples on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023.

Southwest Florida tourism officials are doing whatever they can to bring people back to Southwest Florida in the coming months – including ad campaigns in Canada, Boston and the Midwest.

And they want people everywhere to know: Most of Southwest Florida is open for business and ready to bring the fun.

After Ian, local leaders are hopeful, say tourism slowly recovering in Fort Myers, Naples

− Charles Runnells

Small business comeback on Fort Myers Beach

TJ Holzapfel sits on the wreckage of their restaurant, The RUDE Shrimp Company, after Hurricane Ian on Fort Myers Beach. The restaurant has reopened at Moss Marina.
TJ Holzapfel sits on the wreckage of their restaurant, The RUDE Shrimp Company, after Hurricane Ian on Fort Myers Beach. The restaurant has reopened at Moss Marina.

After moving their restaurant business to Fort Myers Beach from Nebraska, Hurricane Ian made this husband and wife team shift gears in a big way.

Fort Myers Beach couple not deterred by Hurricane Ian

− Amanda Inscore

Southwest Florida relief funds have distributed $48 million after Hurricane Ian

“In our wildest dreams we could have never imagined a hurricane like Hurricane Ian,” said United Way Of Lee, Hendry, & Glades Counties' Jeannine Joy.

How community funds gave out $48 million to help victims in SW Florida

− Dan Glaun

Florida Disaster Fun pumped millions into Hurricane Ian relief

Almost six months after Hurricane Ian decimated Fort Myers Beach, Marilea Reed, a property owner on Fort Myers Beach pauses while cleaning her yard on Monday, March 13, 2023. She plans on waiting a bit but is rebuilding. She says this is one of the toughest things she has been through in her life.
Almost six months after Hurricane Ian decimated Fort Myers Beach, Marilea Reed, a property owner on Fort Myers Beach pauses while cleaning her yard on Monday, March 13, 2023. She plans on waiting a bit but is rebuilding. She says this is one of the toughest things she has been through in her life.

A year since Hurricane Ian blasted its way ashore and became the state’s deadliest storm in almost a century, the Florida Disaster Fund has steered the $63.2 million in donations collected in the following weeks and months to a wide range of service organizations.

Florida Disaster Fund has put millions into Ian recovery, rebuild

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This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida 1 year after Hurricane Ian: SWFL recovery continues